Air India Cancels Riyadh, Dammam and Jeddah Flights Until October 20

Air India has cancelled flights to and from Riyadh, Dammam and Jeddah until October 20 amid security concerns in Saudi Arabia. Affected passengers can seek full refunds.

New Delhi: Air India has extended the suspension of all flights to and from Riyadh, Dammam and Jeddah until October 20, 2026, amid an evolving security situation in Saudi Arabia. The decision is expected to affect passengers travelling between India and the three Saudi cities.

The airline said it was closely monitoring regional developments and assessing the conditions required for the safe resumption of flight operations. Passenger and crew safety remain its primary considerations.

Air India Offers Full Refunds to Affected Passengers

Air India has announced full refunds for passengers whose flights have been cancelled. Travellers can initiate the refund process through the channel used to purchase their tickets.

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Passengers who booked directly through the airline’s website or mobile application can visit the Manage Booking section to submit a refund request. Those who purchased tickets through travel agents or third-party booking platforms must contact their respective service providers to process the refund.

Customers who bought tickets at an Air India ticketing office can approach the same office for assistance.

How to Check Air India Refund Status

Passengers who booked and cancelled their tickets through Air India’s official website or application can track their refund requests through the airline’s refund support portal by selecting the pending refund status-check option.

Travellers who booked through other channels should contact their respective agents, booking platforms or ticketing offices for updates.

The refund will generally be credited to the account used for the original payment. Passengers whose payment accounts have been closed or become invalid may need to provide updated bank details through an Air India ticketing office.

Other Airlines Also Suspend Saudi Services

Air India’s decision comes amid wider disruptions to international air travel across the region. Several other airlines have revised their Saudi Arabia schedules in response to security concerns and operational uncertainties.

Passengers planning to travel to or from Saudi Arabia should verify their flight status directly with their airline before leaving for the airport. Travellers are also advised to monitor official advisories for further changes to schedules and refund arrangements.

Air India Forms Dedicated Team to Drive Cost-Cutting Measures

Alongside the disruption to its Saudi Arabia services, Air India has reportedly established a dedicated team to identify cost-saving opportunities and improve operational efficiency. The initiative is aimed at reviewing expenditure, streamlining internal processes and identifying areas where resources can be utilised more effectively.

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The move reflects the airline's focus on financial discipline and cost optimisation amid changing operational conditions. Measures to control expenses can help airlines manage financial pressures while maintaining service standards and operational reliability.

However, specific details regarding the team's mandate, proposed savings targets and the measures under consideration would need to be confirmed through an official airline statement.